16 day Southern Cross Adventure, Johannesburg to Vic Falls (North Bound)

Day 1: Tshwane (Pretoria) / Johannesburg / Soweto, South Africa

Gauteng is the economic powerhouse of the Southern African region and home to some of Africa's greatest cities. The name of the province derives from the Sotho word meaning 'Place of Gold', which is very suitable since much of the wealth of Gauteng has come from this precious metal.

Tshwane (Pretoria) and Soweto:
You will spend the morning of your African rail safari in Tshwane, previously known as Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa. You'll visit the Union Buildings housing the offices of the President and Ministers, designed by the famous colonial English architect, Sir Herbert Baker, and completed in 1913. The buildings overlook the city towards the once fortified hills to the east.

A grand bronze statue of 'Oom Paul (Kruger)', the patriarch president of the ZAR or old Transvaal Republic, surrounded by his Boer fighters, dominates Church Square, central point of the city. Before leaving the capital behind, you'll visit the Voortrekker Monument that commemorates the 'Great Trek' of the 1830s as part of your African rail safari. (Full-day activity; distance travelled: +/- 200 kilometres (124 miles))

Johannesburg and Soweto:
You will visit Newtown in downtown Johannesburg, identified to be developed into a Cultural Precinct. Here guests will learn more about Blue IQ, a multi-billion Rand initiative of the Gauteng Provincial Government to develop economic infrastructure for specific major projects in smart industries, high value-added manufacturing and tourism.

You will cross the ultra-modern Nelson Mandela Bridge and head towards the tranquil Brenthurts Gardens, the private property of the Oppenheimer family, where you'll spend the rest of the morning at leisure. Encounter true township living when on this leg of your African rail safari. In the afternoon, you'll travel to Soweto to experience the heartbeat of this township, comprising one million people and made famous by the 'Apartheid' laws.

A drive over Bara Bridge affords a general view of Soweto (South Western Townships). Learn some historical facts on this leg of your African rail safari. You'll pass the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital (the largest hospital in the Southern Hemisphere) on our way to the historic home of Nelson Mandela. This is the only street in Africa that once housed two Nobel Peace Laureates, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela.

The next stop is the Hector Petersen Memorial, named after one of the first students to be killed in the 1976 uprising. You also visit SOMOHO (Soweto Mountain of Hope), a community project which undertakes waste recycling, energy efficiency and poverty alleviation. The train departs in the evening from Johannesburg to Impala Station (situated to the north of Swaziland). (Full-day activity; distance travelled: +/- 150 kilometres (93 miles))

Day 2: Swaziland

On this day of your African rail safari, you will visit the tiny Kingdom of Swaziland covers only 17 000 square kilometres, making it the second smallest country in Africa.

Tour through Swaziland:
You will enter Swaziland by road from South Africa. This day in Swaziland will introduce you to everyday life in Africa's smallest kingdom. The Swazi Market is a hive of activity and displays a wide variety of skilfully crafted woodcarvings, colourful textiles and superb basketwork for which Swazis are renowned. During your African rail safari you can purchase some interesting arts and crafts at the Swazi Market. 

The drive to Mpaka will afford majestic views of the Ezulwini Valley on your African rail safari. Guests rejoin the train at Mpaka Station from where it departs to Maputo in Mozambique to stay over night. (Full-day activity; distance travelled: +/- 180 kilometres (111 miles))

Day 3: Maputo, Mozambique

Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, offers an exciting mix of culture and buildings reminiscent of trends set by African, Portuguese and early traditions. The city swings along to a beat that is like no other in Africa. It enables you to experience true African Hospitality. Ancient Catholic churches rest side-by-side with Mosques and Fortresses, Victorian Mansions and other buildings from a bygone era. It's a city of contrasts and excitement that provides an ideal meeting point for social and business ventures. This African rail safari, is very educational for those wanting to see and experience Africa.

Tour of Maputo: 
You will get a good impression of the character of the city. A visit to the municipal market is followed by a stop at the old 'Fortaleza' which dates back to 1769. Other interesting city sites on your African rail safari will include the Catholic Cathedral, the Civic Centre, Louis Trichardt Trek Memorial, Samora Machell Statue, the Jardim Tunduru (Botanical Gardens) and the Iron House (Casa do Ferro).

The Polana Hotel, built in the 1920s, with its striking white exterior and stunning décor, is the best known landmark in the city. From the garden one can see Xefina Island. Next you'll visit an art gallery where furniture and sculptures are made out of old AK47 weapons. The last stop is at the largest market in the Southern Hemisphere, which is also on the way to Costa do Sol. At Costa do Sol there is an opportunity to relax while having a cold drink.

You will return to the train in the late afternoon. Lunch (guest's own account) to be enjoyed at either the Polana Hotel or at a restaurant in town. Evening activity of your African rail safari will include superb local dining: Dinner will be enjoyed at a local seafood restaurant. The train remains stationary at Maputo Station over night. (Full-day activity; distance travelled: +/- 60 kilometres (37 miles))

Day 4: Maputo, Mozambique

You will transferred to the ferry port for a ferry ride to a beach resort on your African rail safari. On the beach, one can relax in the sun or go for a swim. Should you take a late afternoon stroll along the beach, you would be able to watch local fisherman net their catches.

Give your palette a taste explosion on your African rail safari when dining in Maputo. Lunch (guests own account) can be taken at a restaurant specialising in Indian Ocean cuisine with an emphasis on the freshest seafood dishes prepared in traditional African-Portuguese ways. The train departs from Maputo at around 15:00 and travels to Komatipoort where it will stay overnight. (Full-day activity; distance travelled: +/- 160 kilometres (99 miles))

Day 5: Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga, South Africa

The world famous Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience unlike any other. Its 2 million hectares are unrivalled in diversity of life forms and the park is a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques offering an exciting African rail safari.

The park is home to an impressive number of species, e.g. 336 species of trees, 49 species of fish, 34 species of amphibians, 114 species of reptiles, 507 species of birds and 147 species of mammals. (Full-day activity; departure time depends on the season, as gates open and close with sunrise and sunset; distance travelled: +/- 220 kilometres (136 miles))

Game Drive:
Game drives are conducted in open safari vehicles, specifically designed to ensure safety as well as optimum game viewing. Encounter some of Africa's Big Five while on your African rail safari. Guides have intimate knowledge of the fauna and flora. Breakfast will be enjoyed at one of the many picnic spots and lunch (guest's own account) at one of the rest camps in the park. Game viewing continues for the remainder of the afternoon.

Bush Lodge:
Departure from Komatipoort is early in the morning and the morning is spent game viewing (in an air-conditioned Mercedes Sprinter) in the south of the Kruger National Park. You'll reach the bush lodge in the early afternoon. Lunch, dinner and breakfast are included. On a late afternoon open vehicle game drive you will see, Lion, Rhino, Elephant, Leopard and Buffalo.

This area is also renowned for sheltering one of the world's richest sources of San rock art. San artists painted hundreds of rock art friezes throughout the area, and today, in addition to game drives in Big Five wilderness, guests are able to explore this natural gallery, estimated to be 1 500 years old. The next day, after breakfast and departure from the lodge, you will rejoin the rest of the group in the Kruger Park. (Bookings subject to availability)

Private Game Reserve:
You will join the rest of the group for a morning game drive through the south of the Kruger National Park on your African rail safari. Late morning (at around 11:00) you will be met by representatives from the private game reserve, who will take you to the lodge, situated in the famous Sabi Sands Game Reserve, where a lunch will await you. After a siesta, followed by coffee and cake, you will depart on a sunset safari, in search of the Big Five.

Encounters with all spheres of the eco-system, from the smallest insect to the mighty African Elephant, are possible on this leg of your African rail safari. After a sundowner drink in the bush you will return to the lodge, where a delightful dinner will await you. Early the next morning (just before sunrise) you will be woken up to depart on an open vehicle game drive to experience the African fauna at its most active. A mouth-watering breakfast will round off your experience, before you will be taken back to join the rest of the group inside the Kruger National Park. (Bookings subject to availability)

Shangaan Cultural Village:
Midway between the Blyde River Canyon and the southern Kruger National Park, the residents of the traditional villages of the Shangaan invite guests to share in their way of life. The picturesque villages are set in the shade of ancient trees in a reserve of forest and grassland. The Shangana Cultural Village has been created and built by local Shangaan people as a way of preserving a rich heritage and is an example of South Africa's great cultural diversity.

Local Pub in Town:
A drink at a local pub could be an interesting evening experience for your African rail safari. Guests rejoin the train in Hazyview where it will stand over night.

Day 6: Mpumalanga, South Africa

Mpumalanga means 'Land of the Rising Sun'. It is a province of extraordinary natural beauty.

Kruger National Park:
The world famous Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that equals the best anywhere. You are definitely in for a treat on your African rail safari, when you enter the Kruger National Park. Its 2 million hectares are unrivalled in diversity of life forms and the park is a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques.

The park is home to an impressive number of species, e.g. 336 species of trees, 49 species of fish, 34 species of amphibians, 114 species of reptiles, 507 species of birds and 147 species of mammals. Game viewing will be on the cards on your African rail safari. (Full-day activity; departure time depends on the season, as gates open and close with sunrise and sunset; distance travelled: +/- 220 kilometres (136 miles))

Nelspruit:
Nelspruit is considered the gateway to the Mpumalanga Province. With its sub-tropical climate and abundant sunshine the town forms an ideal base from which to explore on your African rail safari. It is also the trading centre for the surrounding fruit growing area. The fertile soil and subtropical climate provide perfect conditions for the production of citrus and tropical fruits (mainly mango, banana, avocado, macadamia and pecan nuts).

The Lowveld Botanical Gardens just outside the town has a rare collection of plant species and the first man-made rain forest. The nearby Sudwala Caves, Dinosaur Park and cultural centre will expose your senses to primitive Africa. A short distance away is the gold mining town of Kaapsehoop where the mist-filled evenings and a herd of wild horses grazing in the town transfer one to a world of yesteryear. (Full-day activity; distance travelled: +/- 130 kilometres (80 miles))

Day 7: Panorama Route, Mpumalanga, South Africa

You will visit the village of Pilgrim's Rest, a living museum and declared National Monument during this leg of African rail safari. Gold was discovered in this area in 1873, attracting 1500 diggers. Today, many of the restored miner's houses serve as shops.

Further along the escarpment you'll find the great Blyde River Canyon, a gorge of 26 kilometres (16 miles) long and 800 metres deep, carved from the face of the escarpment. The Three Rondavels present an unforgettable view of 3 huge rock spirals rising out of the far wall of the canyon, looking like African huts. Bourke's Luck Potholes are strange deep cylindrical cavities formed by river erosion and floodwater.

From the vantage point of God's Window you'll gaze across sweeps of the Lowveld, where subtle fragrances of the lower region rise to merge with the crisp winds of the Highveld. The train journeys from Hazyview to Makhado (previously Louis Trichardt) over night. (Full-day activity; distance travelled: +/- 280 kilometres (173 miles))

Sunrise Balloon Experience:
Get a birds eye view of the beautiful surroundings on a hot air balloon, while on your African rail safari. There is an early morning pick up at Hazyview Station and a transfer to the hot air balloon launch site. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be served on arrival, followed by a scenic hot air balloon flight lasting about an hour. Cape sparkling wine will be served upon landing followed by a breakfast at a country lodge and a transfer back to meet the rest of the group. The train remains stationary in Hazyview over night.

Day 8: Day on the rails to Zimbabwe

Guests will spend the day on the train and enjoy the relaxing drive through the countryside of the South Arican provinces of Mpumalanga, Gauteng and Limpopo. The train then crosses the border into Zimbabwe at Beit Bridge and heads onto Rutenga Station. Here, guests spend the night and depart for Great Zimbabwe the following morning. Lunch will be served on the train. Rovos Rail guides will hold informative talks on the train.

Day 9: Great Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe

Largest Monument in Africa South of the Pyramids:
You will travel from Rutenga through attractive granite hill country to Great Zimbabwe. Situated on the south eastern edge of the central plateau Great Zimbabwe is an impressive monument. It is the largest pre-colonial monument south of the Egyptian pyramids - a most celebrated achievement of the African people indeed. Gaze in wonder at this sight during your African rail safari.

One can stroll amongst the ruins of an ancient city built by the Rozwi people and discover how they lived and how they mined gold and silver, which were ultimately taken out of Africa by Arabic and Portuguese traders. Magical fables such as the story of King Solomon's Mines find their origins here.

This tour is followed by lunch at the Great Zimbabwe Hotel (guest's own account), before rejoining the train. You'll rejoin the train at Bannockburn and travel to Bulawayo over night. (Morning and early-afternoon activity; distance travelled: +/- 300 kilometres (186 miles))

Day 10: Walk with Lions at Antelope Park, Gweru, Zimbabwe

The highlight of the day is the opportunity to walk with Lions in Antelope Park. Guests will spend approximately one and a half hours in the park and can take amazing photos. This long-term project in the Antelope Park in Gweru, Zimabwe, aims to reintroduce the offspring of captive bred lions into the wild.

The age of the lions accompanying guests on walks is between 3 and 15 months. The lions roam free with the guests through the African bush - no leashes, no collars. Visitors may even be lucky enough to see a lion stalking some of the African wildlife species in Antelope Park. Back to the camp, guests have the chance to cuddle with lion cubs for about 20 minutes.

Military Museum and Somabhula Primary School:
Lunch is served in the Antelope Park. Everyone interested in military and aviation hardware can hop on the Shongololo bus and drive to the Military Museum in the town of Gweru. In the late afternoon, guests will visit the Somabhula Primary School. Enjoy the show prepared by teachers and students. This is a great opportunity to interact with local kids and teachers and to make donations.

Day 11: Bulawayo and Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe

Matobo Hills and the Railway Museum:
Matobo means 'bald headed ones' and aptly describes the dramatic hills and granite rocks of this area. Highlights of your African rail safari include a visit to the burial place of Cecil John Rhodes, who gave his name to Rhodesia, as Zimbabwe was previously known, and an inspection of a bushman cave.

There will be time for lunch on your African rail safari (guest's own account) before joining a tour of the Natural History Museum, which is one of the best of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Lastly, you take a drive through the city and visit the Railway Museum. (Full-day activity; distance travelled: +/- 150 kilometres (93 miles))

Chipangali:
A visit to this famous wildlife orphanage gives insight into the plight of some of the wild animals on your African rail safari. The train travels to Dete Station over night.

Day 12: Hwange Game Reserve, Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe's premier National Park is known for its Lion population. Situated in the north-western corner of Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park is the nation's largest wildlife area and contains a variety of animals and bird species. Covering 1 462 000 hectares, Hwange is roughly the same size as Belgium.

An early morning game drive in the park is followed by breakfast at the Sikumi Tree Lodge. After a morning of game viewing on your African rail safari, lunch (guest's own account) will be at the Hwange Safari Lodge. There will be an opportunity to relax at the pool for a while before you resume the game viewing later in the afternoon. (Full-day activity; departure time depends on the gate opening times; distance travelled: +/- 120 kilometres (74 miles))

Walking Safari:
A walking safari allows you to walk through the game reserve in the company of an armed game ranger. These walks take place early in the morning or in the late afternoon. The train departs for Victoria Falls in the evening.

Day 13: Livingstone, Zambia

Across the Falls and into Livingstone:
You will cross the Zambezi River over the famous Railroad Bridge on your African rail safari. Your first stop is at the Zambian side of Victoria Falls before continuing to the town of Livingstone. Named for David Livingstone, the Scottish visionary, who had an insatiable appetite for exploration and a desire to open Africa to the world.

The existence of the Falls had of course been known to local tribespeople. Livingstone, upon hearing stories about 'Mosi oa Tunya' (the smoke that thunders), arranged to be taken there by dugout canoe. On November 16, 1855 he came to the northern end of what is now Livingstone Island and from there crawled to the edge of the precipice and beheld the spectacle of the waterfall for the first time. You'll visit the Livingstone Museum, before taking a walk through the Murabama market during this leg of your African rail safari. (Full-day activity; distance travelled: +/- 70 kilometres (43 miles))

Lunchtime Boat cruise:
This spectacular lunchtime cruise on the Zambezi includes a buffet lunch and drinks. The train remains stationary at Victoria Falls Station over night.

Day 14: Chobe National Park, Botswana

A 70 kilometre (43 miles) ride brings you to the Botswana border, where you'll cross into the famous Chobe Park. There is a great array of wildlife and the Chobe Lions are well respected, as are the Hippos in the river. Highlights on your African rail safari will include a game drive in 4x4 vehicles and a river cruise. Lunch (guest's own account) will be taken at a waterfront lodge with a swimming pool. The train remains stationary at Victoria Falls Station over night. (Full-day activity; distance travelled: +/- 200 kilometres (124 miles))

Day 15: Victoria Falls, Zambia

The Falls form the largest single “curtain” of falling water on earth measuring 1708 metres wide. On average the curtain is 0.92 metres deep. The spray plume can rise to 500 metres and can be seen from as far as 70 kilometres (43 miles) away. In full flood, over 550 million litres of water per minute cascade over the brink.

Because the falls are so wide, there are numerous safe vantage points provided, from where you will be able to get various views of the Falls and the roiling water as it crashes into the gorge and the constant plume of spray that maintains the Rain Forest. The forest is an attraction on its own and many of the trees are marked to help identification. They include Fig, Mahogany, Date Palm, Milkwood and Ebony. There are so many attractions to watch out for on your African rail safari.

The bird life is also prolific and species that may be seen include the colourful Sunbird and large Trumpeter Hornbill. The sound of the water can be heard from kilometres away and up close this muted ‘thunder’ becomes a roar. Craft and curio shops abound with enough variety for everyone to find something to take home as a souvenir to remember your African rail safari. The afternoon is spent at leisure. (Morning activity; distance travelled: +/- 15 kilometres (9 miles))

Flight of Angels:
A highlight of any visit to Victoria Falls is a trip in a light aircraft or helicopter over the Falls. Enjoy a bird's eye view of one of the seven natural wonders of the world in all its magical splendour on your African rail safari.

White Water River Rafting:
Batoka Gorge provides one of the most intense sensory thrills imaginable. It's 23 white water rapids and striking scenery deep within the sheer black cliffs, afford the adrenaline junkie a wild roller coaster ride. The rapids are run in large rubber rafts, launched from just below the Falls.

Elephant Riding:
Seated comfortably on the back of nature's true; King of the Beasts', you can experience an age-old African tradition. Be witness to this mutually enriching and rewarding relationship between man and Elephant in modern-day Africa on your African rail safari.

Bungee Jumping from Livingstone Bridge:
The bridge spans the gorge between Zambia and Zimbabwe and offers one of the world's highest bungee jumps (111 metres). Challenge the limits of the mind and test the edge of fear by leaping off the impressive bridge, with the Falls behind and the mighty Zambezi below. The train remains stationary at Victoria Falls Station over night.

Day 16: Transfer Day

If guests are transferring to a hotel, this will be arranged for them in the morning. If guests are flying out of Victoria Falls, their flight may only be in the afternoon. In this case optional tours may be undertaken.